Teeth whitening offers one of the easiest ways to dramatically improve your smile, often without any kind of dramatic surgery but how much does teeth whitening cost really? You may be surprised to know that there are many forms of teeth whitening that are very affordable. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an overwhelming majority of Americans think that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing. And of the qualities that make up an attractive smile, whiter teeth were the key to a more attractive smile.  Teeth can become discolored over time as the outer layer of enamel on the teeth is worn away. Things like drinking staining drinks like coffee, tea and wine, smoking, and more can stain the teeth and make them not look as white as they naturally do.

How much does it cost to get your teeth professionally whitened?

How much you can expect teeth whitening to cost depends largely on what options you chose and whether you do it at home or at your dentist’s office.  The cheapest option is going to be teeth whitening kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes. These often run under $5 or less. Using over-the-counter products like teeth whitening strips or gels will be an affordable option. A single box is generally $20 to $40 a box and contains enough strips to treat your teeth for a few weeks. You could also use over-the-counter trays that are filled with a whitening solution that is then worn to bed. These often are under $100.  These cheap options may be affordable, but they do not offer the same power as in-office treatments. You can expect them to whiten your teeth by one or two shades, but for greater whitening, getting your teeth whitened at a dentist’s office is going to be the best way to go.  The average cost of in-office teeth whitening is $650, but it can climb to close to $1,000 or more, depending on the type of product that your dentist uses and how much your dentist would charge for the treatment.

Is it worth it to get your teeth professionally whitened?

Getting your teeth whitened professionally seems like a bigger jump in cost, and is the teeth whitening cost worth it? In most cases, the in-office treatment is a great return on investment. People notice the change in appearance after their in-office treatment compared to how at-home treatments work.  The bleaching agents that your dentist would use is much stronger than the ones that are used in at-home treatments. For example, the whitening strips in the store often contain no more than 10% of hydrogen peroxide, a common bleaching agent. In-office treatments use stronger solutions that contain 25 to 40% hydrogen peroxide.  It is important to consider the long term maintenance that teeth whitening may require. No teeth whitening solution is going to be permanent. And how long your teeth remain white depends largely on your lifestyle. Refraining from smoking, drinking or eating staining foods, and practicing good oral health can help ensure the results to last for up to a year.  In-office treatments offer the fastest and most noticeable treatment, with treatments often taking no more than an hour and often only a single treatment is needed.

Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?

Typically, dental insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Most dental procedures are strickly related to health and wellness, like routine cleanings, x-rays, root canals, and the like are what the insurance company will cover. Check your benefits to see if your dental insurance covers cosmetic procedures, like tooth whitening, veneers and the like. These procedures are not considered medically necessary and often the patient will have to shoulder the entire cost.  See if your dentist offers a payment plan or other options to help you achieve your perfect smile.

Is it bad to get your teeth whitened?

Any bleaching treatment will cause some tooth sensitivity. This is a natural result of the peroxide gel that is used and is common among 66% of people. The severity of the sensitivity varies based on the condition of your tooth enamel. If you have concerns about tooth sensitivity, speak with your dentist before doing any kind of tooth whitening treatment, at home or in-office.  The lasers that are used won’t make your teeth hurt more, but a higher dose of peroxide will.  If you have questions about teeth whitening cost, the treatment, or want to schedule a consultation, and you live in Rancho Cucamonga, California, call Golden Smiles Dental at (909) 481-8990 today.